Low-cost, Low Maintenance Stormwater System Focus of NPS Demonstration Project

Upper Delaware News Release

Release Date:            Friday, August 31, 2012

Contact:                      Patrick Connolly, Chief of Maintenance

                                    E-mail:  Patrick_connolly@nps.gov             

Office Phone:  (570) 729-7137

Low-cost, Low Maintenance Stormwater System Focus of NPS Demonstration Project

Partners and Businesses Invited September 6, 2012, 1:00

Partners and local businesses are invited to observe installation of a stormwater filtration system at the NPS Headquarters Office, 274 River Road, Beach Lake PA, on Thursday, September 6^th at 1:00. The installer and park staff will talk with participants following completion of the project, anticipated to take approximately one and a half hours from start to finish. “Stormwater runoff can significantly threaten and impair the health and enjoyment of our nation’s water resources, natural habitats and scenic beauty, and we want to be a leader in finding affordable ways to reduce that impact”, said Superintendent Sean McGuinness.

Recognizing a need for inexpensive, relatively easily-installed and -maintained stormwater filtration systems in the Upper Delaware River Valley, National Park Service Superintendent Sean McGuinness seized the opportunity and personally investigated options for an engineered stormwater filtration media and delivery system for the NPS Headquarters office at 274 River Road, Beach Lake, Pennsylvania.

The system is designed to be installed into existing roadside drains (commonly called catch basins). Located just below the grate, they capture and filter the water as it leaves the surrounding surfaces, thereby reducing source pollution.

 “We were surprised at the elegant simplicity of the system”, said McGuinness.  This application can be included in projects with a minimum investment.  The cost of maintenance is also very low, involving occasional vacuuming and geotextile bag replacement. “Stormwater filtration systems also assist municipalities, agencies, storm water managers and contractors in meeting the Environmental Protection Agency’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II storm water regulations regarding runoff from new construction site activities”, according to the manufacturer.

For more information, contact Chief of Maintenance Pat Connolly at 570-729-7137.